BANYAN TREES

During the course of the show, Smokey has been seen chasing people through the jungle. One of the safe places which apparently stops or repels Smokey is the banyan tree. Why?

A banyan tree has aerial roots which attach to a host tree which grows a cage like structure around the host, eventually killing it. This leaves a hollow area inside the banyan. The Angi Purana believe that the banyan tree symbolizes fertility and women who want children worship those trees. In Indian cultures the tree is considered an "immortality tree." Ghosts and spirits are thought to live within those trees. In Thailand, people believe the trees are home to spirits and genii who have magical powers. In Hindu areas, the tree can provide fulfillment of wishes and material gains through enlightenment. In other Asian cultures, the banyan is thought to be a shelter given by god to his devotees; a sanctuary.

The use of the banyan tree as a shelter against an attack by Smokey gives us a clue into what Smokey may be: manifestation of an evil spirit. The trees contain good spirits which repel the advances of Smokey. Or, if Smokey goes inside the outer root cage, it could be magically trapped like a genii in a bottle.

Other evidence that Smokey is repelled by god like spirits could be rain. We do not see Smokey outside in the rain. The rain is often considered a blessing from god, especially in areas of drought.